Oil of Oregano - Questions

[NurseMonkee]

What brand of Oil of Oregano do you buy?
Does it make a difference, or can I just buy any brand?

Also, does eating dried oregano help? does it have similar benefits as the oil? Or is that different?

[NurseMonkee]

*Echo*

Is anyone there?

Seriously, no one knows?

[penguinpower]

I bought the only brand I could find at the time, which was at a Vitamin World store. Nasty stuff! But, it works. The oil that is--taken sublingually. Capsules didn't do a thing for me. If you squeeze out the oil from a capsule you'll see why--there is literally a tiny drop inside a capsule. I used mine to treat chronic sinusitis, which my doctor said would never go away--gone now!

As far as dried oregano, I would say it's not the same thing at all. One squirt of the oregano oil under your tongue and you will understand why...the oil is really potent. I don't know if there is much, if any, of the actual oil left in dry oregano.

[Peacesoul]

I take it in oil form and capsule form.

The oil form I used only for sinus irrigations and the capsules I take with other herbs to help with my illness. I take them one week on, two weeks off.

Dried oregano is good for pizza only :-)

[NurseMonkee]

Thanks.

I was hoping that I could just eat dried oregano and not have to use the oil which I heard is

[Peacesoul]

Originally Posted by NurseMonkee

Thanks.

I was hoping that I could just eat dried oregano and not have to use the oil which I heard is

Yeah the oil is harsh so take the capsules. Take with lots of food and water and you won't even know you took it.

The pills I take have oil of thyme and cinnimon in it so when I brup, I burp cinnimon, it's nice :-)

You can use the dried oregano as a tea perhaps, but I bet it would still be harsh

[penguinpower]

One thing to consider about the difference between taking the capsules and the liquid is the way the oil of oregano is absorbed into and used by your body. If you take capsules, then it goes through your digestive tract where it is affected by stomach acids, etc. When you take the oil sublingually, it is absorbed directly into your tissues.

A lot depends on how you are hoping the oil works for you. If you're looking for a really potent whack against a baddie, then I would really strongly recommend the oil over the capsules for quickest results.

Start with just a single droplet from the dropper and hold it under your tongue for as long as you can before swallowing. If you succeed in holding it there long enough you will barely taste it and it won't burn. Gradually work your way up to several drops, several times a day.

One great way of realizing the oil's effectiveness is if you take some while you have a sore throat--if you don't hold it under your tongue long enough before you swallow, that oil will burn like the dickens going down your throat--but the sore throat will greatly reduce and sometimes even disappear!

[NurseMonkee]

Thanks for the info. It was very helpful.
I'll be ordering my oil this weekend.

[Masudkarim]

Oregano (origanum vulgare) is a member of the Labiatae family (commonly referred to as the mint family). Its name is from the Greek word oreganos, which loosely translated means "joy of the mountains."

Native to Mediterranean regions, such as Greece and Crete, oregano is a perennial plant with an aromatic scent. With flowers that bloom from July to September, the plant is generally 2.5ft (75 cm) high and 2–3 ft (60–90 cm) wide. Its hairy, oval-shaped leaves are approximately 1.5 in (3.75 cm) in diameter and grow opposite of one another.

Oregano essential oil is produced from the oregano plant through the process of steam distillation. There are a variety of species referred to as oregano, but only a few qualify as high grade and are suitable for making oregano essential oil.

Oregano essential oil contains the following components:

carvacrol (share 40–70%)
gamma-terpinene (8–10%)
p-cymene (5–10%)
alpha-pinene
myrcene
thymol
flavonoids
caffeic acid derivatives
It should be noted that the Physicians' Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines, Second Edition also points out that there are various chemotypes with differing essential oil composition of thymol, linalool + terpinene-4-ol, linalool, caryophyllene + germacren D, or germacren D as chief components. However, those strains, especially ones high in thymol, are not suitable for preparing oregano essential oil intended for internal consumption. Some of these essential oils are toxic to the liver and kidney in very small quantities. However prudent, short term, topical use of these variants may be safe.

General Use

Historically, Greek physicians used oregano essential oils for wounds, headaches, and venomous bites and even hemlock poisoning. It wasn't long before its medicinal benefits were used to treat lung conditions, bronchitis, sinusitis, and cold symptoms including cough. During the seventeenth century, it was heralded throughout Great Britain as an effective remedy for head colds. Used by physicians to induce menstruation as early as the nineteenth century, the benefits of using oregano essential oil have captured the interest of modern-day researchers.

Today, oregano essential oil has antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, and antiseptic properties. For external use, oregano essential oil is valued as a strong analgesic and antirheumatic agent. The diluted oil (usually 5 drops essential oil to 25 drops of carrier oil, like jojoba) can even be rubbed on a toothache to relieve pain. The oil is also believed to reduce the discomfort associated with insect bites. Its powerful anti-microbial properties are said to assist in the prevention of infections and to treat skin fungi such as athlete's foot. It has also been used to eliminate lice infestations and intestinal worms.

Oregano as a culinary spice became popular in the United States after World War II when the soldiers returned from Italy having developed a taste for pizza spiced with oregano. The problem is that medicinally speaking not all oregano is created equal. Growing conditions (soil, climate, rainfall, altitude) and harvesting and processing can produce variations in constituents and effects.

Having penned over ten books, Dr. Cass Ingram who is considered an expert on oregano essential oil, further explains the seriousness of mislabeled oregano oil in his book The Cure is in the Cupboard. He states that although many companies list products such as wild oregano or oil of oregano in their catalogues, "the problem is that the commercially available oil is almost exclusively thyme oil or marjoram oil," neither of which possesses the same medicinal properties as true oregano essential oil. Furthermore, Ingram states that thyme oil is usually made from a non-oregano plant, such as Thymus capitus from Spain, and even though it comes from an edible herb, thyme oil may be toxic. James A. Duke, Ph.D., a leading authority on healing herbs, agrees that thyme oil can be toxic; using it can lead to serious side effects and, in some cases, even cause death.

Therefore, it is critical when using oregano essential oil to be sure that its primary component is carvacrol and not thymol. As Ingram states, "true oregano grows only under specific soil and climate conditions and cannot be reproduced in your backyard." Oregano essential oil should be made only from high-grade oregano that grows wild in the mountains of the Mediterranean. Ingram provides seven key factors to consider when determining if the oil has been derived from a high-grade oregano plant. He suggests that it should be: 1) a wild spice, not farm-raised, 2) from a proven edible species of oregano, 3) a species high in carvacrol, 4) a type used in modern research at prestigious institutions such as Georgetown University, 5) extracted in a natural process (steam distilled), 6) free of all chemical residues, and 7) relatively low in thymol (less than 5%).

Provided that the oregano essential oil being used is authentic and high grade, there is a great deal of scientific evidence to support its medicinal properties. Indeed, several studies have shown that oregano essential oil can inhibit or destroy many strains of bacteria, fungi, and parasites.

One ambiguous study, published in the Journal of Applied Microbiology in 1999, compared 52 plant oils and extracts. Oregano essential oil was found to have significant antibacterial action against a wide number of bacteria including E coli, Staph, Salmonella enterica, and Klebsiella pneumonie, which is a pneumonia that frequently occurs in people with a weakened immune system. The following year, the Journal of Applied Microbiology published a study by Scottish researchers that showed oregano essential oil to be effective against 25 different bacteria. Other studies, such as the one done by researchers at the University of Tennessee in 2001, also showed oregano essential oil to have powerful antibacterial properties.

Research published in the International Journal of Food Microbiology in 1988 found oil of oregano to be an excellent antifungal, completely inhibiting the growth of the nine fungi tested. Since that time, numerous research studies have been published that repeatedly show the ability of oregano essential oil to kill yeast, including Candida albicans. In 2002, oregano essential oil was put to the test in an interesting study by researchers in Yugoslavia and the results were published in Nahrung. Among the 13 fungi tested were food poisoning, plant, animal, and human pathogenic species. Oregano essential oil high in carvacrol possessed the best and broadest antifungal properties.

A small clinical trial published in 2000 examined the effects of oregano oil in adults with intestinal parasites. Of the 14 adult participants, 11 tested positive for the intestinal parasite, Blastocystis hominis, which is known to cause diarrhea, anal itching, and weight loss. The 11 test-positive participants took 600 mg of emulsified oregano essential oil daily for six weeks. Eight were completely free of the parasite and the remaining three participants had a reduction in parasitic presence and symptoms.

Preparations

Oregano essential oil should never be used undiluted. Always dilute it in a suitable carrier oil, such as olive oil, almond oil, or v-6 mixing oil. As with any product used for medicinal purposes, it is important to read and follow the label instructions and warnings.

A skin patch test should be conducted prior to using oregano essential oil for the first time. To do this, place a small amount of diluted essential oil on the inside of your elbow and apply a bandage. Wait 24 hours to see if there is any negative reaction, such as redness or irritation, before proceeding with more extensive use

Because oregano essential oil is concentrated, a little bit goes a long way. At first, it may be wise to start out cautiously by using only 1 drop of oregano essential oil to 3 parts olive oil and massage into the affected area once or twice a day.

To topically treat fungal infections on the skin and nails, Dr. Jennifer Brett, a naturopathic physician and chair of the botanical medicine department at the University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine in Connecticut suggests the following: Dilute 1 teaspoon oregano essential oil in 2 teaspoons olive oil and apply with a cotton swab to the affected area up to three times a day.

To treat bacterial and fungal infections in other parts of the body, 1 drop of oil may be placed in an 8-ounce glass of water or juice once or twice a day. One drop may also be placed under the tongue twice a day, but it should be mixed with 1 teaspoon of honey, maple syrup, or olive oil.

For use in the bath, mix 1 to 3 drops of diluted oregano essential oil with body gel or shampoo and add it to the bath water. As an antiseptic, the diluted oil can be used in cloths to wipe down kitchen and bathroom countertops.

Precautions

Do not use oregano essential oil, either topically or internally, while pregnant.

Nursing mothers should avoid applying the oil to their nipples, because it can be difficult to wash off and may be ingested inadvertently by their infants. During the weaning process, nursing mothers wishing to use a breast message oil that contains oregano essential oil as a method to reduce milk production should do so with caution and be sure that all the oil is removed before breast-feeding. Because of safety issues regarding breast milk and infant care, nursing mothers should always obtain the approval of an obstetrician and/or pediatrician before using oregano essential oil either topically or internally

[Cats for Texas]

Masudkarim has it right on target IMHO. The quality of the OofO made by NAHS is second to none and their website is full of research. I've been using it for over 8 years and can't imagine my life without it. Search for Oil of Oregano posts by me if you're interested in my experiences.
North American Herb and Spice - Welcome

I have no interest in the company and can only attest that it works for me!

[ChaseMama]

Can we mix it with canned tomato and make sauce with it? That sounds good on some atkins meatballs. I also heard of people putting it in V-8.

[Peacesoul]

Originally Posted by ChaseMama

Can we mix it with canned tomato and make sauce with it? That sounds good on some atkins meatballs. I also heard of people putting it in V-8.

I would just use fresh Greek Oregano to make the sauce.
IT has to be greek though

[Cats for Texas]

The OofO that has the reported health benefits is "wild" mountain Greek oregano. As I recall, Dr. Cass Ingram who is considered an expert on oregano essential oil, talks about 'his' kind vs. the typical stuff you find fresh in supermarket, garden center, dried herb isle.

[DeliGirl]

Peacesoul, tell me about how you use it in a nasal irrigation please. Do you put it in a neti-pot with the salt solution?

Thanks
Ang

[Peacesoul]

Originally Posted by DeliGirl

Peacesoul, tell me about how you use it in a nasal irrigation please. Do you put it in a neti-pot with the salt solution?

Thanks
Ang

Hi, well I use one of these little plastic baby ear cleaners (can get at the $ store). I then put some salt and 3 drops of oil in really warm water.

I then shoot it up easy nostril 3 times.

I swear by this. I used to get constant sinus infections and always had tonsil stones. Since doing this rince, I've had either. It's been over a year now (Knock on wood)

[DeliGirl]

thanks for the quick reply

I'm going to have to hunt some OofO down and try this.

[Cats for Texas]

Originally Posted by Peacesoul

Hi, well I use one of these little plastic baby ear cleaners (can get at the $ store). I then put some salt and 3 drops of oil in really warm water.

I then shoot it up easy nostril 3 times.

I swear by this. I used to get constant sinus infections and always had tonsil stones. Since doing this rince, I've had either. It's been over a year now (Knock on wood)

WOW. I'd be in P A I N if I did this... you must have gotten really used to this stuff. I do use a neti pot, but only with salt water. I do sometimes put the OofO in my gum cleaner contraption -- don't know if it does anything, but sure makes my mouth feel clean.

I have put the oil on a QTip and put a tiny amount on the inside of my nose; but, not up very far. I use the "super strength", so maybe that's why I can't tolerate it in the neti.

[granny on the go]

I probably had a sinus infection most of my adult life until I tried the saline solution up the "schnozz". lol If the sinus infection is bad the salt water solution burns. It burns so badly that you may think you have lost your mind!! It also gets rid of a sore throat sometimes in less than an hour. Usually gets rid of a cough, too. It has no known side effects and is much more cost efficient than seeing a doctor. I have seen the solution written as a teaspoon of salt to a quart of water. I've also seen it as twice that strong. You may want to start off using it in the weaker solution. But, do use distilled water and sea salt or salt for canning and baking. Regular table salt contains iodine if it's iodized and corn starch to keep it from caking when the humidity is high.

You can get saline solution for nasal irrigation at the drugstore for both adults and babies. But if you are going to take 10 days to get well from a really bad sinus infection the home made version is much more cost effective.

Keep in mind that if you use the salt water solution on a regular basis, eventually you will clean the YEAST out of your nasal passages good enough that sinus infections probably won't bother you as much.

Nasal irrigation isn't what I do for fun, my sister and my father in law had told me about it for 20 yrs before I got desperate enough to try it. I had been fighting a sinus infection for 3 months and had spent $300 for the doctor and medicine w/no noticable improvment (early 90s). It took 10 days to clear it up. I haven't used anything else for a sinus infection since. Errrr....getting small grandchildren to cooperate isn't that hard...if you are headstrong and tenacious. lol

[Peacesoul]

Originally Posted by Cats for Texas

WOW. I'd be in P A I N if I did this... you must have gotten really used to this stuff. I do use a neti pot, but only with salt water. I do sometimes put the OofO in my gum cleaner contraption -- don't know if it does anything, but sure makes my mouth feel clean.

I have put the oil on a QTip and put a tiny amount on the inside of my nose; but, not up very far. I use the "super strength", so maybe that's why I can't tolerate it in the neti.

Pain? Not at all. There is no pain. It's warm water up the nose and it actually feels pretty good

[Peacesoul]

Originally Posted by granny on the go

I probably had a sinus infection most of my adult life until I tried the saline solution up the "schnozz". lol If the sinus infection is bad the salt water solution burns. It burns so badly that you may think you have lost your mind!! It also gets rid of a sore throat sometimes in less than an hour. Usually gets rid of a cough, too. It has no known side effects and is much more cost efficient than seeing a doctor. I have seen the solution written as a teaspoon of salt to a quart of water. I've also seen it as twice that strong. You may want to start off using it in the weaker solution. But, do use distilled water and sea salt or salt for canning and baking. Regular table salt contains iodine if it's iodized and corn starch to keep it from caking when the humidity is high.

You can get saline solution for nasal irrigation at the drugstore for both adults and babies. But if you are going to take 10 days to get well from a really bad sinus infection the home made version is much more cost effective.

Keep in mind that if you use the salt water solution on a regular basis, eventually you will clean the YEAST out of your nasal passages good enough that sinus infections probably won't bother you as much.

Nasal irrigation isn't what I do for fun, my sister and my father in law had told me about it for 20 yrs before I got desperate enough to try it. I had been fighting a sinus infection for 3 months and had spent $300 for the doctor and medicine w/no noticable improvment (early 90s). It took 10 days to clear it up. I haven't used anything else for a sinus infection since. Errrr....getting small grandchildren to cooperate isn't that hard...if you are headstrong and tenacious. lol

Love this post. I've been telling people for years who get recurrant sinus infections about this method and they look at me odd.

[Cats for Texas]

I'm definitely going to try some of the OofO in my neti pot, which I swear by, too. I now use a 'more sophisticated' version: it's a squeeze bottle type thingy made by NeilMed. I find it easier to handle. Supposedly the solution goes further up, but can't swear to this.

Will let you know about my oil/neti experience. Thanks for encouragement Peacesoul.